2011 Media Releases

DU Moves Up in U.S.News & World Report Annual Rankings

Sept. 12, 2011—U.S.News & World Report's annual college rankings for undergraduate education− released Sept. 13 – has again ranked the University of Denver (DU) among the nation's top 100 national universities.

DU is ranked 82nd up from 86th last year and tied with American University, Auburn University, Marquette University (Wisc.), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and the University of Vermont.

DU's ranking is based on its Carnegie Foundation category as a doctoral/research university with high research activity. U.S.News & World Report collects data on up to16 indicators of academic quality within each category. DU ranked high for its freshman retention rate (87 percent); percentage of faculty who are full-time (76 percent) and its percentage of classes with under 20 students (60 percent). DU also was included on the National Universities list of A+ Options for B Students.

"DU is committed to graduating students who are immersed in scholarship, engaged in the community and grounded in ethics," says Provost Gregg Kvistad. "The academic strength of the University continues to grow and we are pleased to be recognized for our focus on excellence."

National universities ranked by U.S.News & World Report include 280 national public and private universities that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as master's and doctoral degrees. The magazine weights 77.5 percent of a school's ranking by objective criteria such as that mentioned above and 22.5 percent on a school's academic reputation as determined by a survey of university administrators and high school guidance counselors.